ECB chief Ian Watmore resigns after pressure over cancellation of Pakistan tour

FOOLS_NIGHTMARE · Oct 7, 2021

England and Wales Cricket Board Chairman Ian Watmore has resigned after increasing pressure since the cancellation of England's tour to Pakistan.

The 63-year-old is leaving after consultations with the board of directors this week, The Times reported.

Watmore, served as the chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board for only 10 months, despite having been appointed for a five-year term.

His resignation will go into effect immediately, the British publication said.

England's men and women teams were due to play two Twenty20s in Rawalpindi on October 13 and 14. The women's team were also due to play three ODIs in Pakistan on October 17, 19, and 21.

Following England's cancellation, which came on the heels of New Zealand pulling out of Pakistan at the eleventh hour of their own tour over what they said were "security" concerns, Watmore apologised to Pakistanis hurt by the move.

In Watmore's first public comments after England's decision invited anger from the Pakistan Cricket Board and cricket fans around the globe, he said: "I'm very sorry to anyone who feels hurt or let down by our decision, particularly in Pakistan."

"The decision the board made was an extremely difficult one and the board made it with the primary consideration being the welfare and mental health of our players and staff," he added.